Deadline: 26 April 2024
STAT, the leading health and science news publication, and the Knight Science Journalism Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are accepting applications for the Sharon Begley Science Reporting Fellowship, which has the goal of diversifying the ranks of science and health journalists and fostering better coverage of science that is relevant to all people.
It combines a paid reporting position at STAT with an educational component through the prestigious Knight Science Journalism (KSJ) program.
The one-year fellowship is intended for early-career U.S. journalists from racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in the profession and will prepare them for a successful career in science journalism. They will be hiring one fellow this year, who will start in mid-July 2024 and work through mid-July 2025.
Why did STAT start this program?
- The Sharon Begley Science Reporting Fellowship aims to serve as a model for expanding racial diversity in science journalism that could be replicated at other publications. Science journalism reflects the structural and systemic inequities in their society, with Black, Hispanic/Latinx, and Indigenous reporters often not getting the same opportunities as white reporters to gain experience. Roughly 80% of science journalists are white, according to the most recent membership data from two of the leading professional organizations, with 6% identifying as Asian or Pacific Islander, 1%-4% as Black, 3%-4% as Hispanic or Latinx, and 1% as Native American.
How does the program work?
- Fellows will work at STAT’s Boston office alongside its team of experienced science and health reporters and editors to report and write articles for STAT. They will have opportunities for mentorship and to work with various teams. At the same time, they will participate in KSJ training seminars and fellowship community events, have access to the MIT libraries, and be able to audit classes at MIT and Harvard.
Funding Information
- Fellows will be paid $75,000 and receive health insurance through MIT and dental and vision benefits through STAT. They will receive 10 days of vacation and get standard holidays off.
Eligibility Criteria
- An applicant must be residing in the U.S. (STAT and MIT are unable to sponsor a work visa for this fellowship) and live in, or be willing to relocate to, the Boston area. Applicants must have some previous journalism experience; between six months and five years is desirable. Previous work as a science writer is not required.
- In compliance with federal law, fellows will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. STAT and MIT are unable to sponsor a work visa for this fellowship.
For more information, visit STAT.
